Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson

[yerblues1968]

Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson


HOW DID RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MICHAEL JACKSON AND PAUL McCARTNEY GO BAD?

ABC News
newschannel
WJBF-TV


Tuesday, June 30, 2009



UNDATED—It was a friendship, and partnership, of two of the most famous entertainers on Earth…one that produced hits like Say Say Say and The Girl Is Mine.

Alan Light, former editor in chief, Vibe and Spin magazines: “They’re pure pop lovers with some of the greatest senses of melody. And, with both of them, with this strong sense of show business tradition. And, students of old Hollywood films and early rock and roll records and lovers of cartoons. And, there was a lot of common ground between them.“



Michael Jackson photo from the video Say Say Say.


But, the relationship between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney soured in 1985, when Jackson entered into a bidding war with McCartney for the rights to the Beatles song-copyright catalog. Jackson won, paying $47.5 million for more than 200 songs, including classics like Yesterday and Let It Be.

Ben Sisario, music reporter, ‘The New York Times’: “The story goes that one day at Paul McCartney’s house they were having dinner and Paul casually mentioned that the way to make real money in the music business is through publishing…and Michael took that to heart.“

Alan Light: “And one thing that was speculated was that Michael kind of knew how much Paul was going to bid for this and knew what it was going to take to top that bid.“

McCartney’s anger was evident as recently as 2006, when he said: “You know what doesn’t feel very good, is going on tour and paying to sing all my songs. Every time I sing Hey Jude, I’ve got to pay someone.“

Ben Sisario: “There’s a huge amount of money at stake here. But, it’s not just about money, it’s about music. It’s about what Paul McCartney created with John Lennon. I mean, this is his legacy to the world. And naturally, he wants to own it, he wants to control it.“

After Jackson’s death, McCartney took a much softer line, issuing a statement saying: “I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul.“

Jackson’s death is now raising fresh questions about what will happen to the Beatles back catalog. Earlier this year, it was reported that Jackson, feeling badly about the rift with McCartney, had plans to leave Sir Paul the rights to the songs in his will.

Alan Light: “If this is true, then you know, you wonder, OK, is this something that he still felt guilty about, that he had sort of out-maneuvered Paul to acquire this stuff? I mean, all of a sudden, you have to start speculating on you know what that would mean.“




Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney duet in "The Girl Is Mine" written by Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney and recorded
for Michael Jackson's Thriller album. First song recorded by the duo. Produced by Quincy Jones. (3:43 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySHT0StxKKc




Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson duet in "Say, Say, Say" written by Paul McCartney/Michael Jackson and recorded for
Paul McCartney's Pipes of Peace album. Second song recorded by the duo. Produced by George Martin. (4:56 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gWvBXS2t4A




Paul McCartney/Michael Jackson duet in "The Man" written by Paul McCartney/Michael Jackson and recorded for Paul McCartney's Pipes of Peace album. Third song recorded by the duo. Produced by George Martin. (3:57 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXgim4YXLXk


www.wjbf.com/jbf/entertainment/music/article/how_did_relationship_between_michael_jackson_and_paul_mccartney_go_bad/16481/

[yerblues1968]

McCARTNEY RECALLS 'FUN-LOVING' JACKSON


CBCNews.ca


Last Updated:
Friday, July 3, 2009 | 5:23 PM ET


Before Halifax show, ex-Beatle talks about late King of Pop, music, his daughter


Legendary musician Paul McCartney took time out from rehearsals Friday for his concert next week in Halifax to discuss a range of topics, including his sentimental feelings for the late pop star Michael Jackson.

The former Beatle, who spoke with CBC News ahead of his July 11 concert, recorded a number of songs in the 1980s with Jackson, who died suddenly last week.



Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson


He remembers the day Jackson called his private number. He didn't expect the call.

"He rang me up and said, 'Do you want to make some hits?'"

Those hits included Say, Say, Say and The Girl is Mine.





"I'll just remember Michael for being a huge talent and a great guy to be with. A very gracious, innocent, fun-loving guy, really. We just had a lot of fun together," McCartney said.

The two drifted apart over the years. There was a fight over publishing rights after Jackson bought the Lennon-McCartney song catalogue.

McCartney says he's over that now.


'I'VE GOT ENOUGH'

"Basically, I was a longtime worker looking for a raise. And we could never really talk about it and it never really happened. For a couple of months I was miffed, like anyone would be. But I soon got over it. I said, 'You know what, I've got enough.'"

Not enough musically, though.

McCartney will have centre stage next week at the Halifax Common — his only concert in Canada this year. About 60,000 fans are expected.

Rehearsals in England started on Thursday.

"They're going great. We're beginning to know what we're doing," he said.

McCartney has had countless hits over the decades and has legions of fans around the world. At 67, he just can't stop playing music.

"The truth is, I love what I do. I feel very lucky to be allowed to get out in front of a crowd, plug an electric bass in or guitar, and play and sing," he said. "I think I'd do it as a hobby if I didn't do it as a living."

It's tough to picture McCartney, who was knighted by the Queen, playing in a weekend bar band. But he insists he's a "normal" guy. There's no entourage of bodyguards and stylists when he heads to the movies or grocery store.

"When people get to know me, they're very surprised how normal part of my life is," he said.

"I go down to the shops, stand at the checkout counter just like anyone else. And I actually like it because it gives me a feeling of balance. You know, I feel like I'm keeping my feet on the ground."

Of course, fans want him to pose for pictures ["Everyone has a camera"].

"I say, 'No, do you mind, I'm shopping and it's kind of private.' People say, 'I understand,' and they leave me alone. Or we chat."

If McCartney ever needs a dose of humility, he can just turn to 5½-year-old Beatrice, his daughter with ex-wife Heather Mills. Beatrice may be the only person in the world who asks him to stop singing.

"She doesn't like it. And then she sings me something and she takes over," he said with a laugh. "I'm afraid High School Musical has got more stages in our house than I have."

Fans in Halifax shouldn't be surprised when he dips into his huge catalogue of songs and pulls out the fan favourites. After all these years, McCartney says he doesn't mind hearing the old songs on the radio.


OLD SONGS, OLD FRIENDS

He calls the Beatles and Wings songs "good records" that also bring back a flood of memories.

"The combination of all that is nice. It's actually why I do more old songs in my show now. I used to kind of try and shy away from that a bit and think I must do new material. But people kind of like it. And I'm just the same. If a song works, it works."

The old tunes are also like old friends. They help him through the tough times.

"If I didn't love music and have it in my life, when difficulties arise and people pass away, I think it would be much more difficult for me," he said.



Paul, wife Linda, and Michael Jackson


"Particularly in the case of John or George, I can listen to their music. In Linda's case, I can listen to our Wings records and reminisce.

"Music in general is very healing. So I'm very grateful to have music be so big a part of my life. I don't know where I'd be without it."


www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2009/07/03/ns-mccartney-halifax-concert.html#socialcomments

[yerblues1968]

WHO OWNS THE BEATLES SONGS NOW THAT M.J.'S DEAD?


eonline.com
by Leslie Gornstein


Thu., Jul. 2, 2009 6:35 AM PDT


Now that M.J. is dead, who has the rights to the Beatles songs—and will we be able to buy them on iTunes?
—Casey


The publishing rights to most of the Beatles' biggest hits are owned by one entity, a joint venture between the late Michael Jackson and the music arm of Sony Corp. It's called Sony/ATV, and it also owns the rights to songs written by Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Taylor Swift and, oh yes, the Jonas Brothers.

But Sony/ATV does not handle the recordings of Beatles songs. Two other companies do that, so whether you'll ever download Come Together off of iTunes has nothing to do with M.J.'s death. I'll have more info on that for you later in this story.

As for what happens to Jackson's portion of that legendary publishing catalog, welcome to the big, hot mess that is Jacko's estate...

Why?

Well, because Jackson was also, according to reports, mired in some truly epic financial drama. Even the value of Sony/ATV is unclear, with analysts and media placing it somewhere between the rather widely spaced poles of $500 million and $1 billion.

Here's some more math: According to the Wall Street Journal and other reports, Jackson had about $500 million in debt.

Adding to the quagmire: Jackson once put up his share in Sony/ATV as collateral for a loan. The debt is held by Barclays, Jackson's biggest creditor, and the amount owed is said to be around $300 million.

So where does that leave Lovely Rita or Sgt. Pepper or Sweet Loretta? I refuse to say it's going to be a long and winding road. Instead, I shall declare that it's going to be a lengthy and twisting pathway.

"It's all a mess," one executive involved in Jackson's financial affairs told the New York Times this past weekend. "No one really knows what is going on, but these are early days."





Now, Sony/ATV owns 267 songs written mostly by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. That collection—which comprises most of the Beatles' hits—continues to make bank; in fact, Sony/ATV recently negotiated a deal to allow some of the songs to be used on a Beatles version of Rock Band.

The actual recordings of all the Beatles songs you know and love are owned by record label EMI and the band's company, Apple Corps. Those two are still trying to figure out terms for introducing Beatles songs to the digital world, including iTunes.

In conclusion, it could very well be years before anyone figures out what exactly Michael Jackson owned, owed and bequeathed—other than a big old tangle of drama.

Ask me anything on Twitter @answerbitch


www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b132304_who_owns_beatles_songs_now_mjs_dead.html

[yerblues1968]

Michael Jackson with Quincy Jones during the 26th Annual Grammy Awards
at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday evening,
February 28, 1984. Michael Jackson received a record 8 Grammy Awards.


STEVIE WONDER & SIR PAUL McCARTNEY TO ATTEND JACKSON'S FUNERAL?


stv.tv


03 July 2009 14:07 PM


With Michael Jackson's memorial location confirmed, it is thought Stevie Wonder, Barack Obama
and Sir Paul McCartney will attend the service.


AEG Live has confirmed that a public memorial service for the singer will be held in Los Angeles at the Staples Centre.

Randy Phillips, the chief executive of AEG Live, told NBC that the date and time were still undecided but that he thought it would be Tuesday.

It is believed that approx 1 million people will flock to the centre which holds 20,000. For fans who are concerned they are going to miss the service, Phillips said that screens would be installed at the nearby Nokia Plaza.

750 million viewers are set to watch the event on television.



Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder on
February 25, 1986 during the 28th Annual
Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California
at the Shrine Auditorium.


Access Hollywood has reported that a tribute performance is being planned by Stevie Wonder, Patti Austin and James Ingram.

It is also rumoured that President Barack Obama and Sir Paul McCartney will be amongst invited guests.

Jackson's actual funeral is thought to be taking place at a later date, and the singer could eventually be buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills.



Michael Jackson receives the Artist of the Century Award at the
American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles
in 2002. Michael Jackson receives the Diamond Award at the
World Music Awards in Monaco in 2006.


Will you be watching? Who would you like to see perform? Use our comment system to tell us.

Last updated: 03 July 2009, 14:10


entertainment.stv.tv/showbiz/106721-stevie-wonder-sir-paul-mccartney-to-attend-jacksons-memorial/

[yerblues1968]

PAUL'S MEMORIES OF MICHAEL


paulmccartney.com


04.07.2009


TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL

"It's so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.

I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world."


MEMORIES OF MICHAEL

I first heard from Michael when he phoned me over the Christmas holiday season in 1980 and my initial reaction was “who is this and how did he get my private telephone number?”. Michael laughed and explained who it was and, as we talked and I asked him why he was ringing, he said “Do you wanna make some hits?” and that was the start of our adventure together.





He came over to England with his close friend and minder, Billy and they visited our house in the country many times as Michael and I put together the ideas for our songs together. First of all, we came up with and finished an idea for a song I had started which became Say Say Say. We recorded in Air Studios, London with George Martin producing and eventually went to California to make the video for the song. Funnily enough, I was staying at the ranch that Michael later bought and made into Neverland.

My memories are of his great sense of humour and we seemed to spend most of the time playing around and having a laugh. He became very friendly with my family and we had lots of great times together. Although we drifted apart in later years I will always remember fondly the fun we had working and playing together. My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family and, like them, we know that his great talent will never be forgotten.


www.paulmccartney.com/news.php#/1653/2009-07

www.clickliverpool.com/clocked/celeb-stories/125107-beatle-legend-paul-mccartney-hits-out-at-joe-jackson.html

[yerblues1968]

FOR THE RECORD - MESSAGE FROM PAUL


paulmccartney.com


07.07.2009


Some time ago, the media came up with the idea that Michael Jackson was going to leave his share in the Beatles songs to me in his will which was completely made up and something I didn’t believe for a second.

Now the report is that I am devastated to find that he didn’t leave the songs to me. This is completely untrue. I had not thought for one minute that the original report was true and therefore, the report that I’m devastated is also totally false, so don’t believe everything you read folks!

In fact, though Michael and I drifted apart over the years, we never really fell out, and I have fond memories of our time together.

At times like this, the press do tend to make things up, so occasionally, I feel the need to put the record straight.

Paul


www.paulmccartney.com/news.php

[christine~]

I think I can speak for the majority of readers when I say we're all getting very, very OVER-Michael Jacksonned lately.

As much as we admired his talent, we are tending to click over to other sites when a reference to Michael comes up. Tired of it.

Even though I was not a big MJ fan, I also guilty of over-Michaelling on my own LJ during the first couple days after the news came out.

But, ENOUGH ALREADY now. Augghhh.